Thailand Handbook

Having travelled a lot in Thailand, and owning just about every guidebook, this one is clearly the best. In depth, accurate, intelligent, comprehensive, and amusingly written with a touch of sarcasm. Only problem is that it is somewhat out of date. I am anxiously awaiting a new edition. This is still a most valuable addition to one's references on travel to the Kingdom.

same as below, it is now 2004 and things have changed in thailand, I am ready for another trip this year and need a guide book, lonely planet doesnt do the trick

The Thailand Handbook gives you valuable background information on the culture and history of Thailand. As far as places to go are concerned, it is refreshing to see a guidebook that covers not only the major attractions but also the attractions of smaller towns you might pass through on your journey.

From one that has travelled throughout the Kingdom over the past decade; this new kid on the block handbook is the most deeply researched and detailed look at the magic kingdom of several other guides previously used. The historical background, and articulate area descriptions are unrivaled. The Thailand Handbook is the essential travel document for the moderate income traveller who actually enjoys getting out among the people of Thailand, and off dreadful Khao San Rd. I strongly recommend this book to anyone on a budget of over 40 dollars a day in Thailand. If not, one should really go with one of the other "backpack" guides. The LP guide usually has a more extensive selection of low cost accomodations and cheap food in the high concentration seedier tourist areas. Above all, just get out there and enjoy the real Thailand as it's described in Parkes book.

I strongly recommend this travel guide over several that I have read in the past. It covers everything (including beautiful Krabi area in depth) in a very scholarly and thoughtful view of this kind nation. The volume covers Thailand's fabulous extremes from misty blue mountains to the north to the pure tropical paradises of southern Thailand. The islands of the south are unrivaled by anything I have ever seen in the Caribbean! Mr Parkes tells it like is is without the tedious condescending environmental agenda that is the hallmark of the other leading guide. The information in here is easy to access and very up to date. I have used it exclusively in my recent SE Asia travels.